U.S. patent application number 15/305303 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-16 for rolled product dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cascades Canada ULC. The applicant listed for this patent is CASCADES CANADA ULC. Invention is credited to Michel MORAND.
Application Number | 20170042391 15/305303 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54391916 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170042391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MORAND; Michel |
February 16, 2017 |
ROLLED PRODUCT DISPENSER
Abstract
A rolled product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled
product is described. The rolled product dispenser comprises a
dispensing assembly, a return mechanism, and a blocking mechanism.
The dispensing assembly includes a rotating drum assembly having a
peripheral wall configured to be contoured at least partially by
the web of rolled product. The rotating drum assembly is rotatable
in a dispensing rotation direction and a counter dispensing
rotation direction along at least 90 degrees. The return mechanism
biases the rotating drum towards a stationary configuration by
rotating same in the counter dispensing rotation direction. The
blocking mechanism is engageable with the rotating drum assembly to
prevent rotation thereof in the counter dispensing rotation
direction beyond at least one predetermined angular position.
Inventors: |
MORAND; Michel; (Verdun,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CASCADES CANADA ULC |
Montreal |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cascades Canada ULC
|
Family ID: |
54391916 |
Appl. No.: |
15/305303 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
May 11, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2015/050424 |
371 Date: |
October 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61990910 |
May 9, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/3643 20130101;
A47K 10/34 20130101; A47K 2010/3675 20130101; A47K 10/32
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/34 20060101
A47K010/34; A47K 10/36 20060101 A47K010/36 |
Claims
1. A rolled product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled
product, the rolled product dispenser comprising: a housing; a
dispensing assembly at least partially housed in the housing and
interacting with the web of rolled product, the dispensing assembly
including a rotating drum assembly rotatable in a dispensing
rotation direction and a counter dispensing rotation direction; a
return mechanism biasing the rotating drum assembly towards a
stationary configuration by rotating same in the counter dispensing
rotation direction; and a blocking mechanism allowing rotation of
the rotating drum assembly in the dispensing rotation direction and
preventing rotation of the rotating drum assembly in the counter
dispensing rotation direction beyond at least one predetermined
angular position.
2. The rolled product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the blocking
mechanism includes a stopper and the rotating drum assembly
comprises at least one tooth protruding radially from a section of
the rotating drum assembly, the stopper being engageable with the
at least one tooth to prevent rotation of the rotating drum
assembly in the counter dispensing rotation beyond the at least one
predetermined angular position.
3. The rolled product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the stopper is
pivotally mounted to one of a dispensing assembly frame and the
housing through a pivoting assembly biasing an engagement end of
the stopper towards the rotating drum assembly.
4. (canceled)
5. The rolled product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises at least two spaced-apart sets of at least
one tooth engageable with the stopper when the rotating drum
assembly is rotated in the counter dispensing rotation direction
and toothless circular arc segments extending between each one of
the at least two spaced-apart sets at a periphery of the section of
the rotating drum assembly.
6. The rolled product dispenser of claim 5, wherein at least one of
the toothless circular arc segments extends along at least 60
degrees.
7. (canceled)
8. The rolled product dispenser of claim 5, wherein each one of the
toothless circular arc segments extends along at least 90
degrees.
9. The rolled product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises at least one set of adjacent teeth
engageable with the stopper when the rotating drum assembly is
rotated in the counter dispensing rotation direction and at least
one toothless circular arc segment extending forwardly of a first
one of the teeth encountered by the stopper when the rotating
assembly is rotated in the counter dispensing rotation
direction.
10. The rolled product dispenser of claim 0, wherein the at least
one toothless circular arc segment extends along at least 60
degrees.
11. (canceled)
12. The rolled product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises one set of adjacent and consecutive teeth
engageable with the stopper when the rotating drum assembly is
rotated in the counter dispensing rotation direction with a
toothless circular arc segment extending between a first one of the
teeth and a last one of the teeth of the set at a periphery of the
section of the rotating drum assembly.
13. The rolled product dispenser of claim 0, wherein the set of
adjacent and consecutive teeth comprises five or less teeth and the
toothless circular arc segment extends over at least 60
degrees.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The rolled product dispenser of claim 5, wherein at least 300
degrees of the periphery of the section of the rotating drum
assembly includes the at least one toothless circular arc
segment.
17. The rolled product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises two opposed teeth, each one of the two
opposed teeth being engageable with the stopper to prevent rotation
of the rotating drum assembly in the counter dispensing rotation
beyond one of the at least one predetermined angular position
defined by each one of the teeth.
18. A rolled product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled
product, the rolled product dispenser comprising: a dispensing
assembly including a rotating drum assembly having a peripheral
wall configured to be contoured at least partially by the web of
rolled product and being rotatable in a dispensing rotation
direction and a counter dispensing rotation direction along at
least 60 degrees; a return mechanism biasing the rotating drum
assembly towards a stationary configuration by rotating same in the
counter dispensing rotation direction; and a blocking mechanism
engageable with the rotating drum assembly to prevent rotation
thereof in the counter dispensing rotation direction beyond at
least one predetermined angular position.
19. The rolled product dispenser of claim 0, wherein the blocking
mechanism includes a stopper and the rotating drum assembly
comprises at least one tooth protruding radially from a section of
the rotating drum assembly, the stopper being engageable with the
at least one tooth to prevent rotation of the rotating drum
assembly in the counter dispensing rotation beyond the at least one
predetermined angular position.
20. The rolled product dispenser of claim 0, wherein the stopper is
pivotally mounted to one of a dispensing assembly frame and a
housing of the rolled product dispenser through a pivoting assembly
and the at least one tooth protrudes from the peripheral wall of
the section of the rotating drum assembly and the pivoting assembly
biases an engagement end of the stopper towards the peripheral wall
of the section of the rotating drum assembly.
21. (canceled)
22. The rolled product dispenser of claim 19, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises at least two spaced-apart sets of at least
one tooth engageable with the stopper when the rotating drum
assembly is rotated in the counter dispensing rotation direction
and toothless circular arc segments extending between each one of
the at least two spaced-apart sets at a periphery of the section of
the rotating drum assembly.
23. The rolled product dispenser of claim 0, wherein at least one
of the toothless circular arc segments extends along at least 60
degrees.
24. (canceled)
25. The rolled product dispenser of claim 0, wherein each one of
the toothless circular arc segments extends along at least 90
degrees.
26. The rolled product dispenser of claim 19, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises at least one set of adjacent teeth
engageable with the stopper when the rotating drum assembly is
rotated in the counter dispensing rotation direction and at least
one toothless circular arc segment extending forwardly of a first
one of the teeth encountered by the stopper when the rotating
assembly is rotated in the counter dispensing rotation
direction.
27. The rolled product dispenser of claim 0, wherein the at least
one toothless circular arc segment extends along at least 60
degrees.
28. (canceled)
29. The rolled product dispenser of claim 19, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises one set of adjacent and consecutive teeth
engageable with the stopper when the rotating drum assembly is
rotated in the counter dispensing rotation direction with a
toothless circular arc segment extending between a first one of the
teeth and a last one of the teeth of the set at a periphery of the
section of the rotating drum assembly.
30. The rolled product dispenser of claim 29, wherein the set of
adjacent and consecutive teeth comprises five or less teeth and the
toothless circular arc segment extends over at least 60
degrees.
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. The rolled product dispenser of claim 22, wherein at least 300
degrees of the periphery of the section of the rotating drum
assembly includes the at least one toothless circular arc
segment.
34. The rolled product dispenser of claim 19, wherein the rotating
drum assembly comprises two opposed teeth, each one of the two
opposed teeth being engageable with the stopper to prevent rotation
of the rotating drum assembly in the counter dispensing rotation
beyond one of the at least one predetermined angular position
defined by each one of the teeth.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/990,910
which was filed on May 9 2014. The entirety of the aforementioned
application is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of dispensers.
More particularly, it relates to a dispenser for rolled products
such as rolled paper products, which is configured to substantially
control a length of a tail of rolled product extending outside of
the dispenser.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Several types and models of rolled product dispensers are
known in the art for dispensing a length of rolled product to a
user. For example and without being limitative, such dispensers are
commonly found in public bathrooms for dispensing hand paper towels
to users.
[0004] In many cases, the length of rolled product is dispensed
following a pull of the user on a portion of the web of rolled
product dangling at a lower front section of the dispenser. This
portion of the web of rolled product is commonly referred to as the
"tail".
[0005] It is common for users to pull sharply on the tail of the
web of rolled product and consequently cause a dispensing roller of
the dispenser to overspin, i.e. to continue to rotate after the
user has stopped pulling on the tail of the web of rolled product,
thereby leading to a length of the tail of the web of rolled
product that is inappropriate, i.e. that is longer than desired.
Such inappropriate length is undesirable as it may, for example and
without being limitative, lead to bacterial contamination and/or
product waste.
[0006] Rolled product dispensers are also commonly equipped with a
turn knob for manually rotating the rotating drum assembly, if
needed. For instance, manual rotation of the drum can be necessary
in the event of an unwanted tear of the paper and when a new roll
is introduced to the dispenser. Rotating the drum in the wrong
direction can cause the product web to unthread from the dispensing
mechanism or even damage the dispensing mechanism. To avoid misuse,
the turn knob is often coupled to the drum via a one-way clutch
bearing or one-way clutch spring allowing the turn knob to be
rotated in only one direction.
[0007] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved rolled
product dispenser, which by virtue of its design and components,
would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the
above-discussed prior art concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a general aspect, there is provided a rolled
product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled product. The
rolled product dispenser comprises: a housing; a dispensing
assembly at least partially housed in the housing and interacting
with the web of rolled product, the dispensing assembly including a
rotating drum assembly rotatable in a dispensing rotation direction
and a counter dispensing rotation direction; a return mechanism
biasing the rotating drum assembly towards a stationary
configuration by rotating same in the counter dispensing rotation
direction; and a blocking mechanism allowing rotation of the
rotating drum assembly in the dispensing rotation direction and
preventing rotation of the rotating drum assembly in the counter
dispensing rotation direction beyond at least one predetermined
angular position.
[0009] In an embodiment, the blocking mechanism includes a stopper
and the rotating drum assembly comprises at least one tooth
protruding radially from a section of the rotating drum assembly,
the stopper being engageable with the at least one tooth to prevent
rotation of the rotating drum assembly in the counter dispensing
rotation beyond the at least one predetermined angular position.
The stopper can be pivotally mounted to one of a dispensing
assembly frame and the housing through a pivoting assembly. The
pivoting assembly can bias an engagement end of the stopper towards
a periphery of the rotating drum assembly.
[0010] According to a general aspect, there is provided a rolled
product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled product. The
rolled product dispenser comprises: a dispensing assembly including
a rotating drum assembly having a peripheral wall configured to be
contoured at least partially by the web of rolled product and being
rotatable in a dispensing rotation direction and a counter
dispensing rotation direction along at least 60 degrees; a return
mechanism biasing the rotating drum assembly towards a stationary
configuration by rotating same in the counter dispensing rotation
direction; and a blocking mechanism engageable with the rotating
drum assembly to prevent rotation thereof in the counter dispensing
rotation direction beyond at least one predetermined angular
position.
[0011] In an embodiment, the blocking mechanism includes a stopper
and the rotating drum assembly comprises at least one tooth
protruding radially from the rotating drum assembly, the stopper
being engageable with the at least one tooth to prevent rotation of
the rotating drum assembly in the counter dispensing rotation
beyond the at least one predetermined angular position. The stopper
can be pivotally mounted to one of a dispensing assembly frame and
a housing of the rolled product dispenser through a pivoting
assembly. The at least one tooth can protrude from the peripheral
wall of a section of the rotating drum assembly and the pivoting
assembly can bias an engagement end of the stopper towards the
peripheral wall of the section of the rotating drum assembly.
[0012] In an embodiment, the rotating drum assembly comprises at
least two spaced-apart sets of at least one tooth engageable with
the stopper when the rotating drum assembly is rotated in the
counter dispensing rotation direction and toothless circular arc
segments extending between each one of the at least two
spaced-apart sets at a periphery of the section of the rotating
drum assembly. At least one of the toothless circular arc segments
can extend along at least 60 degrees or along at least 90 degrees.
In an embodiment, each one of the toothless circular arc segments
extends along at least 90 degrees.
[0013] In an embodiment, the rotating drum assembly comprises at
least one set of adjacent teeth engageable with the stopper when
the rotating drum assembly is rotated in the counter dispensing
rotation direction and at least one toothless circular arc segment
extending forwardly of a first one of the teeth encountered by the
stopper when the rotating assembly is rotated in the counter
dispensing rotation direction. The at least one toothless circular
arc segment can extend along at least 60 degrees or along at least
90 degrees.
[0014] In an embodiment, the rotating drum assembly comprises one
set of adjacent and consecutive teeth engageable with the stopper
when the rotating drum assembly is rotated in the counter
dispensing rotation direction with a toothless circular arc segment
extending between a first one of the teeth and a last one of the
teeth of the set at a periphery of the section of the rotating drum
assembly. The set of adjacent and consecutive teeth can comprise
five or less teeth. The toothless circular arc segment can extend
over at least 60 degrees or over at least 90 degrees. In an
embodiment, at least 300 degrees of the periphery of the section of
the rotating drum assembly includes the at least one toothless
circular arc segment.
[0015] In an embodiment, the rotating drum assembly comprises two
opposed teeth, each one of the two opposed teeth being engageable
with the stopper to prevent rotation of the rotating drum assembly
in the counter dispensing rotation beyond one of the at least one
predetermined angular position defined by each one of the
teeth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Other objects, advantages and features will become more
apparent upon reading the following non-restrictive description of
embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rolled product dispenser,
according to an embodiment, with a housing, without a front cover
thereof, within which the components of the dispenser are
contained.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the rolled product
dispenser of FIG. 1, where the housing has been removed and where
the blocking mechanism includes opposed teeth extending radially
from a periphery of a rotating drum assembly, the dispensing
assembly of the rolled product dispenser being shown in an extended
configuration.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the rolled product
dispenser of FIG. 2, where the dispensing mechanism of the rolled
product dispenser is shown in a stationary configuration.
[0020] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of section 3A of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of a rolled product
dispenser, according to an alternative embodiment, where the
housing has been removed and where the blocking mechanism includes
a set of adjacent teeth extending radially from a periphery of the
rotating drum assembly, the dispensing assembly of the rolled
product dispenser being shown in the stationary configuration.
[0022] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of section 4A of FIG. 4.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of the rolled product
dispenser of FIG. 1, where the housing has been removed and where
the dispensing mechanism of the rolled product is shown in the
retracted configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following description, the same numerical references
refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical
configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the
figures or described in the present description are embodiments
only, given solely for exemplification purposes.
[0025] Moreover, although the embodiments of the rolled product
dispenser and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain
geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not
all of these components and geometries are essential and thus
should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be
understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that
other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well
as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the
rolled product dispenser, as will be briefly explained herein and
as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such
as "above", "below", "left", "right" and the like should, unless
otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and
should not be considered limiting.
[0026] Referring now to the figures, there is shown an embodiment
of a rolled product dispenser 10. FIG. 1 presents the rolled
product dispenser 10 within a housing 12, free of front cover,
within which the components of the dispenser 10 are contained.
FIGS. 2 to 5 present the rolled product dispenser 10 with the
housing 12 removed, in order to show the components of the
dispenser 10 more clearly for the benefit of the present
description.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown that the
rolled product dispenser 10 for a rolled product 14 includes a
dispensing assembly frame 13 and a dispensing assembly 30. The
dispensing assembly 30 is configured to dispense lengths of a web
15 of rolled product 14.
[0028] As will be easily understood by one skilled in the art, the
rolled product 14 can be a web 15 of absorbent sheet product
provided in rolled configuration, such as and without being
limitative, hand paper towel. In an alternative embodiment, the
rolled product 14 can also be other types of paper provided in a
roll, such as, without being limitative, hygienic paper, or other
types of rolled product, such as cling film, foil or the like.
[0029] The frame 13 supports the dispensing assembly 30 in the
housing 12, if any. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing
assembly 30 can be mounted directly to the housing. In an
embodiment, the rolled product 14 is mounted above the dispensing
assembly 30 and is supported by a rolled product support 17 (FIG.
1). In the embodiment shown, the rolled product support 17 includes
two spaced-apart arms and the rolled product 14 extends between the
two arms when engaged therewith. In the embodiment shown, the
rolled product support 17 is secured to the housing 12 of the
rolled product dispenser 10.
[0030] The housing 12 also includes a rolled product dispensing
opening (not shown) through which a tail 16 of the rolled product
14 extends outwardly from the housing 12.
[0031] In an embodiment, the housing 12 and/or the frame 13 is made
of moulded plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
One skilled in the art would however understand that, in
alternative embodiments, other materials offering similar
characteristics could be used in the manufacture of the frame 13
and/or the housing 12.
[0032] In an embodiment, the dispensing assembly 30 includes a
rotating drum assembly 32 (or dispensing roller), rotatably mounted
to the frame 13. The rotating drum assembly 32 includes a cutting
drum 31 extending between spaced-apart supporting members 18 and
20. The rotating drum assembly 32 rotates around a rotation center
33 and can be rotated in a dispensing rotation direction 35 and a
counter dispensing rotation direction 37, for only a portion of a
complete rotation, as will be described in more details below. In
the context of this specification, the term "rotating drum
assembly" includes the cutting drum 31 and any handle or extension
that rotates simultaneously together around the rotation center
33.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the cutting drum 31 has a peripheral
wall 34 engaging the web 15 of rolled product 14. In an embodiment,
the peripheral wall 34 of the cutting drum 31 can be made of a
friction-enhanced material (or anti-skid material) in order to
increase the friction between the cutting drum 31 and the web 15 of
rolled product 14. When a user pulls on the tail 16 of the web 15
of rolled product 14 extending outwardly of the housing 12 through
the rolled product dispensing opening, the cutting drum 31 rotates
in the dispensing rotation direction 35 and a length of web 15 of
rolled paper product 14 is dispensed to the user.
[0034] In an embodiment, the cutting drum 31 includes a cutting
assembly (not shown) housed in the cutting drum 31 and configured
to cut the web 15 of rolled product 14 after a predetermined length
has been dispensed. One skilled in the art would however understand
that, in alternative embodiments, other mechanisms or assemblies
for automatically or manually cutting the web 15 of rolled product
14 could be provided.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in an embodiment, the dispensing
assembly 30 includes an upper tensioning mechanism 40 pulling the
web 15 of rolled product 14 forwardly of the housing 12 before the
web 15 of rolled product 14 extends rearwardly to contour an upper
section 36 of the cutting drum 31. The upper tensioning mechanism
40 includes an upper tensioning roller 42, slidably mounted in
elongated upper grooves 44 defined in the supporting members 18 and
20 respectively, pulling the web 15 of rolled product 14 downwards
towards the front of the cutting drum 31 and configured to vary the
length of web of rolled product 15 which contours the upper section
36 of the cutting drum 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper
groove 44 is configured such that the upper tensioning mechanism
conforms to a section of the peripheral wall 34 of the cutting drum
31, while being spaced apart thereof. The upper tensioning
mechanism 40 further includes a biasing member 48, such as a spring
or the like, biasing the upper tensioning roller 42 forwardly, i.e.
towards a front section of the housing 12.
[0036] In an embodiment, the dispensing assembly 30 further
includes a lower tensioning mechanism 60 having a lower tensioning
roller 62 pulling the web 15 of rolled product 14 upwards towards
the front of the cutting drum 31 and against a lower section 38 of
the peripheral wall 34 of the cutting drum 31. In the illustrated
embodiment, the lower tensioning roller 62 is slidably mounted in
lower grooves 64 defined in the supporting members 18 and 20
respectively to vary the tension imparted on the web of rolled
product 15 contouring the cutting drum 31. The lower tensioning
mechanism 60 further includes a biasing member biasing the lower
tensioning roller 62 upwards, towards an upper end of the lower
groove 64. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the same biasing
member 48 is connected to both the upper tensioning roller 42 and
the lower tensioning roller 62 and is used to bias the upper
tensioning roller 42 forwardly and the lower tensioning roller 62
upwardly.
[0037] One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative
embodiments, other mechanisms or configuration of the dispensing
assembly 30, distinct from the above described upper tensioning
mechanism 40 and lower tensioning mechanism 60 can also be
provided. In such alternative embodiment, the alternative mechanism
and/or configuration of the dispensing assembly 30 can be provided
to guide the web 15 of rolled product 14 such that it increases the
portion of the peripheral wall 34 of the cutting drum 31 contoured
by the web 15 of rolled product 14, i.e. such that the web 15 of
rolled product 14 contours the peripheral wall 34 of the cutting
drum 31 along a substantial portion thereof.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the dispenser 10 is further provided
with a return mechanism 70 configured to bias the rotating drum
assembly 32, such that it rotates back to its original angular
position (neutral position) within the dispenser 10, following a
rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the dispensing
rotation direction 35 caused by a pull on the tail 16 of the web 15
of rolled product 14 by a user. One skilled in the art will
understand that the return mechanism 70 can be provided
independently or in combination with either one, or both of the
upper tensioning mechanism 40 and the lower tensioning mechanism
60.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the return mechanism 70
includes a biasing member 72, such as, without being limitative, a
spring or any other resilient element, connected at a first end to
an anchor 74 provided on the supporting member 18, and connected at
a second end to one of the longitudinal ends of the rotating drum
assembly 32 and, more particularly, on an extension mounted
outwardly of the supporting member 18. One skilled in the art would
understand that the anchor 74 may be integral to the supporting
member 18 or be an independent component removable or permanently
connected thereto. Moreover, it will be understood that, in an
alternative embodiment, the anchor 74 can be provided on a
component other than the supporting member 18, such as, for
example, the housing 12.
[0040] On the rotating drum assembly 32, the biasing member 72 is
connected to an eccentric attachment point 84, i.e. a connection
point spaced apart from the rotation center 33 of the rotating drum
assembly 32. The eccentric attachment point 84 is provided by a
connection arm 78 attached to the longitudinal end of the rotating
drum assembly 32 and having a first end 81 proximate to the
rotation center 33 of the rotating drum assembly 32 and a second
end 82 spaced apart from the rotation center 33 of the rotating
drum assembly 32. The connection arm 78 is secured to the rotating
drum assembly 32 to rotate simultaneously with the rotating drum
assembly 32. The second end 82 of the arm 78 provides the eccentric
attachment point 84 for the biasing member 72. In the illustrated
embodiment, a rotating head 83 is rotatably connected to the
connection arm 78, at the second end 82 thereof, to attach the
biasing member 72 thereon. One skilled in the art would however
understand that, in alternative embodiments, different components
or structures can be provided for rotatingly connecting the biasing
member 72 to the second end 82 of the connection arm 78.
[0041] One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative
embodiments, other configurations providing the ability to manually
vary the tension imparted on the biasing member 72 and/or vary the
original angular position of the rotating drum assembly 32 could
also be provided. For example and without being limitative, in an
alternative embodiment (not shown), a plurality of anchors and/or a
plurality of attachment points 84 could be provided. In another
alternative embodiment (not shown), adjusting pins may be provided
between the anchor 74 and the attachment point 84 to modify the
path of the biasing member 72 and provide a variable tension on the
biasing member 72 according to which one of the adjusting pins is
used to vary the path.
[0042] As mentioned above, when a user pulls on the tail 16 of the
web 15 of rolled product 14 extending outwardly of the housing 12
through the rolled product dispensing opening, the rotating drum
assembly 32 rotates in the dispensing rotation direction 35 and a
length of web 15 of rolled paper product 14 is dispensed to the
user. Following rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the
dispensing rotation direction 35, the return mechanism 70 causes
the rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter
dispensing rotation direction 37, towards a stationary
configuration. The rotation in the counter dispensing rotation
direction 37 contributes to reduce the length of the product tail
16, as the web 15 of rolled product is driven back inside by the
rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter dispensing
rotation direction 37.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4a, in order to prevent rotation of
the rotating drum assembly 32 beyond at least one predetermined
angular position in the counter dispensing rotation direction 37,
the dispenser 10 is further provided with a blocking mechanism 90.
The blocking mechanism 90 is also used to control the length of the
product tail 16, following a pull by a user, and thereby provide a
product tail 16 of substantially a similar length following each
pull by a user.
[0044] In an embodiment, the blocking mechanism 90 includes a
stopper 92, such as a pawl, pivotally mounted to the supporting
member 20 and at least one tooth 94 extending radially from the
rotating drum assembly 32, at an end thereof, aligned with a distal
end of the stopper 92. Engagement between the stopper 92 and the at
least one tooth 94 defines a predetermined angular position beyond
which the rotating drum assembly 32 is prevented from rotating in
the counter dispensing rotating direction 37. Therefore, the
blocking mechanism 90 operates to allow rotation of the rotating
drum assembly 32 in the dispensing rotation direction 35, while
preventing rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter
dispensing rotation direction 37 past a predetermined angular
position, upon engagement of the stopper 92 with one of the at
least one tooth 94, and resulting in the stationary configurations
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The predetermined angular position defines
a length of the product tail 16.
[0045] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the at least one
tooth 94 are provided on a disc of the rotating drum assembly 32
extending outwardly of the supporting member 20 and rotating
simultaneously with the cutting drum 31.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, prevention of the rotation of
the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter dispensing rotation
direction 37 past a predetermined angular position is achieved by
an engagement end 93 of the stopper 92 being biased towards the
rotating drum assembly 32 and each one of the at least one tooth 94
defining a predetermined angular position. Each one of the at least
one tooth 94 is configured to engage with the engagement end 93 of
the stopper 92 following a contact between the tooth 94 and the
engagement end 93 of the stopper 92 as a result of the rotation of
the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter dispensing rotation
direction 37 along a portion of the rotational path.
[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4a, a pivoting
assembly 95 is provided to allow a pivotal movement of the stopper
92 relative to the supporting member 20. In the embodiment shown,
the pivoting assembly 95 is biased towards the rotating drum
assembly 32 by gravity. In an alternative embodiment, the pivoting
assembly 95 can include a biasing member (not shown), such as a
spring or the like, configured to bias the engagement end 93 of the
stopper 92 towards the rotating drum assembly 32. One skilled in
the art would also understand that, in another alternative
embodiment, other assembly or mechanism could be used to provide a
stopper 92 configured to engage the at least one tooth provided on
the rotating drum assembly 32, peripherally a section thereof. For
example and without being limitative, a flexible stopper oriented
towards the rotating drum assembly 32 could be used instead of a
pivoting stopper 92.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3A, in the embodiment shown, each one
of the at least one teeth 94 is configured such that a cavity 96 is
defined between the tooth 94 and the periphery of a section of the
rotating drum assembly 32 at the corresponding end, on a first side
of the tooth 94, and an inclined wall 98 is formed between the
tooth 94 and the periphery of the section of the rotating drum
assembly, on a second side of the tooth 94. The cavity 96 is
oriented towards the engagement end 93 of the stopper 92 when the
rotating drum assembly 32 rotates in the counter dispensing
rotation direction 37. Consequently, when the rotating drum
assembly 32 is rotated in the dispensing rotation direction 35,
each time the rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 causes one
of the teeth 94 to contact the engagement end 93 of the stopper 92,
the engagement end 93 of the stopper 92 contacts the inclined wall
98 and is driven over the corresponding tooth 94. However, when the
rotating drum assembly 32 is rotated in the counter dispensing
rotation direction 37, the engagement end 93 of the stopper 92 is
moved into the cavity 96 of the first tooth 94, i.e. the tooth
defining one of the at least one predetermined angular position,
which comes into contact with the engagement end 93 of the stopper
and prevents further rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in
this direction. Therefore, the rotating drum assembly 32 can only
rotate in the counter dispensing rotation direction 37 of an
angular distance corresponding to the distance between the angular
position reached following a pull of the product tail 16 by a user
and the angular position reached when the engagement end 93 of the
stopper 92 is engaged with one of the teeth 94 defining a
predetermined angular position.
[0049] In an embodiment, the at least one tooth 94, defining one of
the at least one predetermined angular position, is configured to
allow rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter
dispensing rotation direction 37 of an angular distance of at least
60 degrees. Therefore, at least about 60 degrees of the rotating
drum assembly 32, in front of the tooth 94 defining one of the at
least one predetermined angular position, i.e. in the direction of
arrow 35 in the embodiment shown, is free of tooth. In other words,
the rotating drum assembly 32 includes a toothless circular arc
segment 97 in front of the tooth 94 defining a predetermined
angular position of at least about 60 degrees. In an alternative
embodiment, the toothless circular arc segment 97 covers at least
about 90 degrees of the circumference of the rotating drum assembly
32 and thus rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the
counter dispensing rotation direction 37 of an angular distance of
at least 90 degrees is allowed.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3a, in an embodiment, the blocking
mechanism 90 includes a pair of opposed teeth 94 extending radially
from the rotating drum assembly 32, at the end thereof, aligned
with the stopper 92. In other words, in the embodiment shown, the
teeth 94 are spaced of about 180 degrees from one another along the
periphery of the rotating drum assembly 32 and thereby allow a
rotation in the counter dispensing rotation direction along about
180 degrees. In other words, a toothless circular arc segment 97 of
about 180 degrees extends between the opposed teeth 94. Each one of
the teeth 94 can define a predetermined angular position to prevent
further rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter
dispensing rotation direction.
[0051] One skilled in the art will understand that, in an
alternative embodiment, the number and/or positioning of the teeth
94 could differ from the pair of opposed teeth 94 of the
illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 3a. For example and without
being limitative, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), a
single tooth 94 can extend radially from the rotating drum assembly
32, thereby allowing a rotation in the counter dispensing rotation
direction along about 360 degrees. In other alternative embodiments
(not shown), given for the purpose of exemplification only, three
or four teeth 94, spaced apart along the periphery of the rotating
drum assembly 32, can also be provided, with the teeth 94 being
positioned to allow a rotation in the counter dispensing rotation
direction along at least 90 degrees. Forwardly of each tooth 94
defining one of the predetermined angular positions, the rotating
drum assembly 32 includes a toothless circular arc segment 97.
[0052] Now referring to FIGS. 4 and 4a, in an embodiment, the
blocking mechanism 90 includes a set 99 of three adjacent teeth 94
extending radially from the rotating drum assembly 32, at the end
thereof, and aligned with the stopper 92. Adjacent teeth 94 of the
set of adjacent teeth 99 are proximate to one another along the
periphery of the rotating drum assembly 32 with a toothless
circular arc segment 97 extending between the last tooth 94b of the
set of adjacent teeth 99 and the first tooth 94a of the set of
adjacent teeth 99. The first tooth 94a of the set of adjacent teeth
99 defines the predetermined angular position to prevent further
rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32. In the embodiment shown,
the toothless circular arc segment 97 extends along about between
355 degrees and 300 degrees, forwardly of the tooth 94a defining
the predetermined angular position. In a non-limitative embodiment,
at least 300 degrees of the periphery of the rotating drum assembly
includes the at least one toothless circular arc segment. For
instance, the rotating drum assembly can include one set of
consecutive teeth and at least 300 degrees of a toothless circular
arc segment extending between a first tooth and a last tooth of the
set. In another embodiment, the rotating drum assembly can include
two or more sets of at least one tooth and the sum of the toothless
circular arc segments extending between consecutive sets covers at
least 300 degrees of the periphery of the rotating drum assembly.
In an embodiment, the first tooth of each set, i.e. the first tooth
encountered by the stopper 92 when rotating in the counter
dispensing rotation direction defines a predetermined angular
position for stopping further rotation of the rotating drum
assembly 32. Toothless circular arc segments extend forwardly of
each first tooth 94a and each one covers at least 60 degrees of the
rotating drum assembly 32.
[0053] One skilled in the art will understand that, in an
alternative embodiment, the number and/or positioning of the teeth
94 in the set of adjacent teeth 99 could differ from the
illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 4a. For example and without
being limitative, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the set
of adjacent teeth 94 can include only two teeth 94 or more than
three teeth adjacent to one another and/or the distance between the
adjacent teeth 94 of the set of adjacent teeth can be varied.
[0054] Moreover, in another alternative embodiment (not shown),
more than one set 99 of teeth 94 can be provided with a toothless
circular arc segment 97 extending between the last tooth 94b of one
set of adjacent teeth 99 and the first tooth 94a of an adjacent set
of adjacent teeth 99. For example and without being limitative, two
or three sets of adjacent teeth 99 can be provided and be
positioned to allow a rotation in the counter dispensing rotation
direction along at least 60 degrees or at least 90 degrees between
each set of adjacent teeth 99. Each first tooth 94a of each set
defines a predetermined angular position for stopping further
rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32, as detailed above.
[0055] It will be understood that, the use of a set of adjacent
teeth 99 provides additional security teeth (i.e. the teeth
following the first tooth 94a of the set of adjacent teeth 99) to
prevent rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter
dispensing rotation direction 37, past a predetermined angular
position, in cases where an initial engagement between the first
tooth 94a of the set of adjacent teeth 99 and the stopper 92 is
unsuccessful. Hence, in such a case where the initial engagement
between the first tooth 94a of the set of adjacent teeth 99 and the
stopper 92 is unsuccessful, the stopper 92 can engage a successive
one of the teeth 94 of the set of adjacent teeth 99 to prevent
rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter dispensing
rotation direction 37, with the rotating drum assembly 32 having
rotated in the counter dispensing rotation direction 37 of only a
few additional degrees, thereby leading to only a short difference
for the length of the product tail 16.
[0056] The combination of the return mechanism 70 and the blocking
mechanism 90 allows the length of the product tail 16 to be reduced
to substantially the same length between each pull by a user. In
more details, the rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in the
counter dispensing rotation direction 37, caused by the return
mechanism 70, results in the product tail 16 being brought to a
retracted configuration (shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) from an
extended configuration (shown in FIG. 2) reached following a pull
on the product tail 16 by a user and a cutting of the web of rolled
product by the cutting assembly (not shown). The retracted position
of the product tail 16 results in a length of the product tail 16
that is substantially the same following each pull, given that the
blocking mechanism 90 prevents the rotating drum assembly 32 from
rotating further than angular positions defined by the position of
the at least one tooth 94. In an embodiment, the resulting product
tail 16 should be long enough to allow a user to seize the product
for another pull, but short enough to reduce possible bacterial
contamination and product waste. Therefore, in a non-limitative
embodiment, the combination of the return mechanism 70 and the
blocking mechanism can be set to result in a product tail 16 which
extends outwardly of the housing 12 of a length of between about
11/2 inch to 2 inches between each pull of a user.
[0057] In the embodiment shown, the return mechanism 70 is
positioned at one end of the rotating drum assembly 32 beyond and
proximate to the supporting member 18 and the blocking mechanism 90
is positioned at an opposed end of the rotating drum assembly 32
beyond and proximate to the supporting member 20. One skilled in
the art would however understand that, in an alternative
embodiment, the position of the return mechanism 70 and the
blocking mechanism 90 could be inverted, i.e. the return mechanism
70 being positioned at the end of the rotating drum assembly 32
proximate to the supporting member 20 and the blocking mechanism 90
being positioned at the opposed end of the rotating drum assembly
32 proximate to the supporting member 18. Moreover, in another
alternative embodiment, the return mechanism 70 and the blocking
mechanism 90 can be positioned at the same end of the rotating drum
assembly 32. Moreover, it will be understood that, in an
embodiment, the return mechanism 70 and the blocking mechanism 90
can be positioned internally with regards to the supporting members
18, 20 rather than externally. The stopper 92 of the blocking
mechanism 90 and the anchor 74 of the return mechanism 70 can also
be mounted to the housing 12.
[0058] In view of the above, it will be understood that while
conventional dispensing assemblies are commonly provided with a
one-way clutch assembly or a one-way spring assembly, which allows
rotation of a rotating drum assembly in a single dispensing
rotational direction, the dispensing assembly 30 of the present
dispenser 10 allows rotation of the rotating drum assembly 32 in
both rotational directions, the dispensing assembly 30 allowing
rotation in the counter dispensing rotation direction 37 along
solely a portion of the rotational path, as described in more
details above. Therefore, as detailed above, the above described
assembly allows to substantially control a length of the product
tail 16 extending outwardly of the housing 12, following each pull
of the rolled product.
[0059] Moreover, it will be understood that the limited number of
teeth extending radially from the rotating drum assembly 32 limits
the number of instances where the stopper 92 of the blocking
mechanism 90 is driven over a corresponding tooth 94 when rotating
in the dispensing rotational direction 35, thereby reducing the
associated clicking noise. Hence, a dispenser using the above
described dispensing assembly 30 results in an overall quieter
dispenser, as opposed to dispensers where teeth 94 are provided
radially over the entire periphery of the rotating drum assembly or
a substantial portion thereof.
[0060] A product dispenser 10 having been described in details
above, a sequence of operation of at least a portion of the
operations of the dispenser will now be detailed.
[0061] In an embodiment, the following sequence of operation occurs
during and shortly after the dispensing of a length of rolled
product 14 to a user, when using the above described dispenser 10.
The dispensing of a length of the web 15 of rolled product 14 is
initiated by a user pulling on the product tail 16 extending from
the housing 12 of the dispenser 10. The continuous pull by the user
causes the web 15 of rolled product 14 to drive the rotating drum
assembly 32 in rotation in the dispensing rotation direction 35.
Following the dispensing of a predetermined length of rolled
product, the web 15 of rolled product 14 is severed, such that the
length to be dispensed for use is detached therefrom. The rotating
drum assembly 32 is subsequently driven in rotation in the counter
dispensing rotation direction 37 by the return mechanism 70, until
the blocking mechanism 90 halts the rotation of the rotating drum
assembly 32 in the counter dispensing rotation direction 37. In the
embodiments described above, the prevention of the rotation of the
rotating drum assembly 32 in the counter dispensing rotation
direction 37 occurs as a result of the stopper 92 engaging one of
the teeth 94 defining a predetermined angular position, thereby
reducing the length of the paper tail 16 extending from the housing
12.
[0062] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been
described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention
described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person skilled
in the art would appreciate the features of the individual
embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the
components. A person skilled in the art would further appreciate
that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination
with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that
the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present
examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is
not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while
the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,
numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing
from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *